It is rare that a romance novel has you holding your breath as you read it. Right from the start we know something as happened to Carmela, the heroine, who no one in the family will talk about. Decades later, it is up to her niece Mina to see if she can resolve the mystery.Sara Alexander has done a brilliant job of creating three-dimensional characters who are passionate and flawed. Set in 1950's rural Sardinia, the location, culture, and especially the food play an important role. This is an interesting time in the island's history after WW II with the arrival of the American military looking to establish a base there. The juxtaposition of the new world and the old is compelling.This is much more than a typical light romance with the usual tropes. It features a compelling plot and beautiful writing style. As someone who appreciates literature and reads many novels per week, I was stunned to see that this is Ms. Alexander's first book. It is incredibly rare to see someone with this level of talent right out of the gate.Do NOT read any reviews which may give away the plot. This story deserves to be savored and the suspense created by the author is a crucial element. This is definitely a book I will reread and I will be waiting eagerly for whatever Sara Alexander writes next. As another reviewer suggested, this would make a great movie.